Biker (62) who led gardai on 140kph chase says he had ‘a rush of blood to head’

Anthony O’Neill (62) had a previously unblemished record and could not explain his “bizarre” behaviour.

Judge David McHugh fined O’Neill €300 and banned him from driving for two years.

The defendant, of Huntstown Wood in Mulhuddart, admitted dangerous driving at Huntstown Way in Mulhuddart on November 23, 2021.

Gda Darryl Hearns told Blanchardstown District Court he was on patrol in an unmarked car when he was overtaken by a motorbike.

Gda Hearns said he indicated for the biker to stop, but he looked in his mirrors and continued.

He said O’Neill made a number of dangerous manoeuvres, including overtaking cars and driving over a ramp at speeds of 120kph or 140kph.

O’Neill also drove at speed into a roundabout, and approached a petrol station on Huntstown Road on the wrong side of the road.

He then took a long sweeping left bend on the wrong side of the road, before colliding with a vehicle.

Defence solicitor Mark O’Sullivan said O’Neill, a care assistant, had “a rush of blood to the head” and it was difficult to understand why he had behaved in such a manner.

Mr O’Sullivan said that two weeks before this incident, O’Neill had been knocked off his bike, and this may have had an effect on him.

O’Neill apologised for his behaviour, Mr O’Sullivan added.